SGA expresses concerns for Va. charter schools

Bill explains negative impact on JMU

The Student Government Association passed a resolution bill giving students the opportunity to express their concerns about three Virginia schools becoming chartered and how it could affect JMU.

"If this were allowed to happen, they would become semi-private institutions, retaining all public funding while increasing private funds using such measures as increased tuition," freshman Sara Lunsford said.

"This would also allow for them to exercise increased independence from the state in various projects and programs. JMU and other public universities would receive no additional funding or privileges."

The bill stated the opinion that the SGA is opposed to Virginia Tech, University of Virginia and the College of William & Mary becoming charter schools because of the negative impact it could have on JMU and its funding.

"The state of Virginia needs to ensure that their public university system is of equal value," sophomore Stephanie Genco said. "If the legislators in this state wish to find greater funding for higher education in Virginia, they should find a way of doing so for all universities, not just these three."

If Virginia Tech, William & Mary and UVa. become charter schools, it could affect all Virginia public colleges and universities.

"This bill was a good idea to support because, by creating just a three-university charter system, it closes the door for JMU and other state institutions from reaping the benefits of private finances and increased decision making," junior Ricardo Pineres said.

Many senators expressed their concerns about the three schools becoming charter schools, and what effect the change might have on future students in the college system.

"There is an oncoming crisis in Virginia higher education. In the next five years, there will be over 50,000 Virginia students entering the higher education system," Genco said. "If charter schools go through, more Virginia students will be denied access to their own universities. This is an issue that harms those Virginia students."

Freshman senator Sarah Lunsford said, "If a bill such as the one pending in the General Assembly were passed, both JMU and Virginia as whole would be significantly disadvantaged.

"JMU would be hurt because it would create a two-tiered system in which JMU would have no chance of competition against the charter schools due to its comparatively smaller funding and independence."